Head of R&D, Quality & Production Control

Location: Kenya (factory-based with occasional field validation travel)

Reports to: General Manager
Contract: Renewable
About Darandi Darandi is an agribusiness innovator pioneering a new approach to fertilizer production and soil regeneration. The company focuses on the local production of high-performance organic fertilizers using advanced technology, bringing globally validated innovation into local agricultural ecosystems. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Darandi has positioned Kenya as its continental launch pad and proof-of-concept market for Africa. The company is driven by the belief that Africa’s food security depends on healthy soils, local value addition, and farmer affordability. Darandi is reshaping how fertilizers are produced, distributed, and applied across Kenya and the region.
Role Overview Darandi is seeking an experienced Head of R&D, Quality & Production Control to manage the scientific, laboratory, and production quality backbone supporting national scale-up. The role oversees batch formulation control, laboratory testing, microbial viability verification, production SOP compliance, traceability management, and continuous product improvement to ensure consistent, compliant, and reliable product performance.
Key Responsibilities Batch Quality Assurance & Laboratory Control

• Define and implement batch testing protocols covering microbial viability, composition verification, and stability
• Approve production batch release based on laboratory verification against defined specifications
• Maintain laboratory records, testing documentation, and full traceability systems

Production SOP Governance & Process Control

• Define and maintain production Standard Operating Procedures for inoculation, blending, and batching workflows
• Monitor factory compliance with approved production discipline and quality checkpoints
• Investigate deviations in batch performance and lead corrective action processes

Formulation Development & Product Optimization

• Support local adaptation of product formulation based on environmental and soil conditions
• Analyse laboratory and field performance data to refine production parameters and improve stability
• Maintain structured documentation of formulation updates and validation outcomes

Regulatory Compliance & Certification

• Ensure production quality systems comply with KEBS, KEPHIS, and applicable regulatory requirements
• Maintain technical dossiers, inspection readiness files, and laboratory documentation
• Support product registration testing and certification processes

Production Risk Management & Integrity

• Identify risks affecting microbial viability, contamination exposure, or formulation stability
• Develop preventive controls to ensure consistent product reliability
• Establish monitoring checkpoints and define procedures for handling failed batches

Quality Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain structured quality management systems covering laboratory, production, and batch traceability
• Track quality KPIs including batch pass rates, production losses, and stability performance
• Identify process improvements and support implementation of digital production tracking systems

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Soil Science, Agronomy, Chemical Engineering or related field. Postgraduate is an added advantage.
• 8–12years’ experience in biological products, fertilizers, laboratory quality control, or regulated production environments
• Demonstrated experience managing batch testing, production SOPs, and laboratory verification systems
• Experience with microbial products, bio-inputs, fermentation systems, or fertilizer manufacturing preferred
• Experience operating within East African regulatory environments

Success Measures

• Batch quality consistency and pass rate
• Microbial viability and product stability performance
• Compliance with laboratory and regulatory documentation standards
• Reduction in rejected batches and production losses
• Production traceability completeness and audit readiness

Salary: Competitive, based on experience